Olivia Caldwell Foundation Honored By Casper Chamber Of Commerce

An organization that raises funds for pediatric cancer research has been honored by the Casper Area Chamber of Commerce. The Olivia Caldwell Foundation was recognized as the "Organization of the Year" at the annual Chamber Awards Banquet held at the Nicolayson Art Museum on April 27th.

The Olivia Caldwell Foundation was founded one month after Katie Caldwell's daughter Olivia died of brain cancer at the age of only 20 months. According to their website, the Foundation has raised more than $155,00.00 for pediatric cancer research for Children's Hospital Denver and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Their mission is "to fund live-saving pediatric cancer research and programs to improve the lives of children battling cancer."

The Chamber sent us this statement:

"This award was determined by the membership of the Casper Area Chamber of Commerce. Katie Caldwell, her staff and her Board of Directors have fulfilled their mission and goals by providing crucial funding to aid in the research of pediatric cancers. Every October, the Olivia Caldwell Foundation provides one annual donation to the research team of Children’s Hospital, Colorado, to mark the anniversary of Olivia's passing. It is through the loss of their Olivia that Katie and her family have chosen to work diligently and advocate on behalf finding a cure for pediatric cancer. Congratulations to the Olivia Caldwell Foundation on their recent recognition and award."

May is Brain Cancer Awareness Month and officials say brain cancer is the deadliest form of childhood cancer; of the seven children who die of cancer every day in the United States, three are taken by brain cancer. The Olivia Caldwell Foundation is currently holding their annual "$3 for Three" campaign, asking that everyone give a $3 donation in the month of May in honor of the three children that die each day from the disease.

They will also be holding a 5K run on Saturday, May 13th, to raise funds for pediatric cancer research. It is being hosted by the Hernandez/Laidlaw Family at Three Crowns Trail Parking Lot on West 13th Street. Registrations are $20 in advance or $25 the day of the race. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. and the race starts at 10 a.m. You can find more information in the Foundation website.